Counseling for Recovery Support
So, you have put the drink or drug down, and maybe you have some recovery under your belt. Now what?
In recovery circles, the substance or behavior is just a symptom of the disease of addiction. For many of us, these were solutions to our troubles for a long time. This means that there have been causes and conditions at the root of the alcohol or substance use, and these causes and conditions continue once the substance is put down.
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can continue for several months or even a year after stopping. These symptoms tend to fluctuate in severity, and may disappear altogether only to reappear at a later time:
- Difficulty with cognitive tasks, such as learning, problem solving, or memory recall
- Irritability
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
- Depressed mood
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- Difficulty maintaining social relationships
- Craving originally abused substances
- Apathy or pessimism
- Disturbances in sleep patterns
- Increased sensitivity to stress
These symptoms tend to increase in severity when triggered by stressful situations, but might flare up even without any clear stimulus.
12-step recovery can be a very helpful tool for many based on the personal work of the steps themselves and the social support of the groups. It is a program of “we”, implying that we can support one another on the journey. Others in the meetings have felt all of the feelings you may be feeling and their experience can be helpful to get through early challenges.
However, additional support may also be beneficial to move farther into a recovered life, to heal trauma and family-of-origin issues, to help re-establish healthy relationships with those family members that are safe (and to reduce contact with those that aren’t).
If you are struggling to put time together on your recovery journey, or you feel that you want more out of a strong recovery, but aren’t exactly sure where to start, reach out today.
We can work to strengthen your recovery and get you back on track to a life you can celebrate.
Counseling recovery support is only available in NM and PA. Reach out today!